RASTREIO RADIOLÓGICO PARA TUBERCULOSE EM UMA PENITENCIÁRIA DO SUL DO BRASIL.

Introduction: To determine the radiologic profile of 'the prisoners at Osório Modular Prison and estimate the prevalence of active tuberculosis in the institution. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 677 chest radiographs obtained for tuberculosis screening and data from the medical records of prisoners seen at the Radiology Department from July to October 2019. Results: Of 677 radiographs, 150 (22%) showed abnormalities. Of these, 109 (16% of total or 72% of abnormal radiographs) showed lesions characteristic of granulomatous disease. Of all 677 patients, 11.5% reported current or previous treatment of tuberculosis, accounting for 38% of all abnormal radiographs. Fifty patients with no previous history of tuberculosis had lesions that were most likely due to active tuberculosis (7.3% of total), and were referred for further investigation as new cases. The responses to the questionnaire revealed no significant difference between patients who reported or denied coughing when comparing those with normal vs abnormal radiographs. Conclusions: Individuals deprived of liberty had a high prevalence of radiologic abnormalities suggestive of granulomatous disease. These findings allow us to infer that there is a high prevalence of tuberculosis at Osório Modular Prison, probably at levels comparable to those of other prison facilities in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]